The Broncos also signed guard Dylan Gandy and defensive tackle Josh Shaw. Defensive tackle Alvin McKinley was released. McKinley and Foxworth were each major contributors to the defense last year.

PLAYER NOTES

--CB Karl Paymah used a late surge in the preseason to earn the team's nickel cornerback job. The team was confident enough in Paymah to trade Domonique Foxworth to Atlanta for a seventh-round pick next year.

--CB Jack Williams impressed the team during the preseason, when he had two interceptions. He returned one for a touchdown in the finale. The rookie could see some playing time in dime packages following Domonique Foxworth's trade to Atlanta.

--RB P.J. Pope, formerly of Chicago, was signed to the practice squad. He is someone to watch because the Broncos aren't very deep at running back to start the season, and the team will expect Pope to be ready if necessary.

--WR Travis Wilson was signed to the practice squad after spending time with Cleveland. The Broncos don't have many young receivers at the bottom of the depth chart, so Wilson could carve out a future with the team if he impresses in practice.

--S Calvin Lowry, claimed off waivers after Tennessee cut him, should instantly help on special teams. He will also be a key backup at safety. He started most of last season with the Titans.

GAME PLAN: Without Brandon Marshall in the lineup, the Broncos are going to have to be creative on offense in the passing game and effective in the running game. Getting favorable matchups with tight ends and running backs coming out of the backfield will be a key. Defensively, the Broncos are going to be challenged to stop the run against Oakland's stable of running backs. They were 30th in the NFL in rushing defense last year but seem improved.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Broncos LT Ryan Clady vs. Raiders DE Derrick Burgess. Clady will be making his NFL regular-season debut. He held up pretty well in pass protection in the preseason, and he has to be up to the challenge of slowing down Burgess if the Broncos are going to move the ball.

Raiders CB DeAngelo Hall vs. Broncos WR Eddie Royal. With Nnamdi Asomugha locking down the other side, Hall should be targeted more often. The Broncos don't have Brandon Marshall, so Royal will have to be a playmaker in the passing game.

INJURY IMPACT:

--DE Elvis Dumervil has practiced all week and will likely play, but he has been hesitant to proclaim himself ready to go. He has a broken pinkie and has been concerned about how playing with a cast might affect him.

--LB Boss Bailey said he would be ready to play in Week 1 after his ankle responded well after a full practice on Wednesday. However, Bailey might not go back to a full workload after missing all but two plays in the preseason.

--LB Louis Green missed practice Wednesday with a hamstring injury, and is in danger of missing the season opener. He is a key special-teams performer.

--WR Darrell Jackson is dealing with a sore ankle, but is practicing and should be able to play.

--C Tom Nalen has a bad knee and the Broncos are in wait-and-see mode. He hasn't been practicing and it doesn't seem like his return is imminent. The Broncos haven't put a definitive timetable on his return.

--S Marquand Manuel will play with a cast on his broken thumb. He said he didn't know if his role would be limited against Oakland, but he is ready to start.